Historically, Chanukah is known as the Festival of Lights, the celebration of the victory of Judah and the Maccabees over Syria’s King Antiochus IV, and the rededication of the desecrated Temple. But as far as I’m concerned, Chanukah should also be recognized as the official holiday of massage therapists. Please allow me to explain.

During my twenty-five years as a practicing Licensed Massage Therapist in New York City, there have been more than a few days when, facing a full schedule of clients, I have suddenly realized—to my horror—that I only had enough oil for one massage!!!

And yet, somehow, the oil lasted for eight treatments! What else could it be but a miracle?

Additional Chanukah-related massage miracles revolve around the alleviation of several of the seasonal symptoms that arise as people prepare for and celebrate Chanukah. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Mild musculoskeletal pain and injury, such as wrist strain, typically resulting from extreme potato-grating and/or food processor-cleaning
• Temporary repetitive stress syndrome, especially in young children, associated with vigorous sporting activities, such as aerobic dreidel-spinning and marathon Chanukah gelt-counting
• Exhaustion related to acute and contagious parental kvelling over the kids’ hip-hop rendition of “Maoz Tsur”

From a more scholarly perspective, there are actually documented connections between massage and Judaism. Apparently, massage has been a favored treatment among the Jewish people for thousands of years. It is even mentioned as a therapeutic practice in the Talmud and in the Shulchan Aruch. And, according to Len Goldstone’s article “Judaism and Massage” in the October 2006 issue of Jewish Renaissance, it is possible that the word “massage” originated with the ancient Hebrew word mashach, meaning “to daub” or “to smear,” as in anointing oneself with oil in preparation for a feast.

My own connection between massage and Judaism is a little more personal. For as long as I can remember, whenever someone has asked me what kind of massage I practice, I have answered “Yiddish Massage.” “What is Yiddish Massage???” is the typical response, and so I explain that my massage style, like the Yiddish language, is an amalgam, or, to be more technical, a mishmash. When working with clients, I incorporate techniques from all of the bodywork modalities I have studied over the years, including Swedish, Shiatsu (acupressure), reflexology, and deep tissue massage.

I also note that for me, kvetching on the part of my clients is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. The massage session truly provides an opportunity to relieve tension and anxiety in body and mind. Knowing what’s going on in a client’s life allows a massage therapist to design each session to provide the right balance of comfort, relaxation, and support. Of course, in keeping with the tradition of Yiddish Massage, I also reserve the right to deadpan at the end of the list of complaints (no matter how long or beleaguered), “Well, it could be worse.”

Today, massage therapy modalities are emerging as extremely valuable treatments in the rapidly expanding field of health and wellness. Rigorous professional training programs prepare graduates to help people suffering from a wide array of challenges, including arthritis, cancer, stroke, migraine and debilitating back and neck pain. Massage also helps to ease tightness and tension in the muscles of people who spend hours driving, shlepping, talking on the phone, working at the computer, and doing all of the above in rapid succession or simultaneously.

Several communities of people with specialized needs have recognized the great value of massage therapy, including professional and amateur athletes and exercise enthusiasts who want extra support preparing for and recovering from workouts and competitive events, women seeking help with some of the structural discomforts that can accompany pregnancy, parents and other loving care-givers who want to soothe and comfort their infants, and senior citizens seeking relief through this ancient form of healthful contact. Evidence is also mounting that massage can even be an effective adjunctive therapy for those experiencing depression and anxiety.

The pace and pressure of the current holiday season offer one more reason to turn to your local massage therapist. Consider alleviating some of your gift-buying angst by giving massage gift certificates (always the right size and color!) to some of the special people on your list. You might even want to think about taking a step back from the holiday chaos and putting yourself (literally) into someone else’s capable hands for an hour or two. Particularly as a Kosher Hostess (the ultimate multi-tasker), there’s a good chance that you often find yourself giving to others, both physically and emotionally, and run the risk of getting run down and depleted. So, while you’re thinking of everyone else and all you have to do in preparation for Chanukah, consider treating yourself to the gift of self-care. Take some time out to relax and re-energize, because when it comes to choosing a gift that will help you to lighten up and rekindle your inner n’er tamid, nothing holds a candle to a great massage!

To find a qualified massage therapist, contact the American Massage Therapy Association (www.amtamassage.org) or ask for a referral from a trusted medical professional.

*Receive a 10% discount on a massage session or gift certificate from Rebecca Klinger. Use the code “Kosher Hostess” when booking your appointment or purchasing a gift certificate. Contact Rebecca at (212) 777-4201 or via her website, www.rebeccaklinger.net.

Rebecca Klinger is a Licensed Massage Therapist based in New York City. She is also certified in Interactive Guided Imagery and Holistic Health Counseling. Rebecca’s instructional video programs include "The Gift of Baby Massage" and "Massage Your Mate." In addition to her private practice, Rebecca loves writing and speaking and has been interviewed nationwide on television, radio, and in print.